Farewell in Uncertain Times

Dear Temple Israel,

I could never have imagined that I would be writing a goodbye letter under the circumstances we find ourselves in today. I feel so proud to be part of the Temple Israel team that has transformed our congregational life from a building-based organization to our current virtual existence. This certainly was not how I envisioned my final days at Temple Israel.

It was a pretty heady time for me 37 years ago. I was 29, graduating from Hebrew Union College in New York City and interviewing for the position of Cantor at a large, highlyrespected Temple. Well, I passed the audition and have spent more than half of my life immersed in the life of Temple Israel. I find it interesting that my wife Cantor Jodi Sufrin and I were given advice by a Rabbi to not develop our friendships within the Temple family. “You don’t want to get too close.” We didn’t follow his advice, and the Temple Israel community has fulfilled my life professionally and personally. I am so grateful for the opportunities to do so many of the things I love in an environment of scholarship and social justice, working with a beautiful caring community and a forward-thinking Green team. And I thought I was just going to sing!

If I had been given this whole Insight issue, I might have had enough space to highlight all the lifecycle events through the years, trips to Russia and resettlement stories, special musical celebrations, and teaching moments. Suffice it to say I have countless precious memories that I will always carry in my heart.

I want to thank Rabbi Zecher and everyone else for their special kindness and attention to crafting and supporting all of the events that have taken place in my honor this year. I have felt very well feted.

I have no doubt that the next chapter of my life will look

dramatically different from what I am used to, and I am looking

forward to new and exciting opportunities beginning on July 1 st .

With a very full heart, I say to all of you,

Shalom and l’hitra’ot!

Cantor Roy B. Einhorn